Get to know Class of 2026 Commencement speaker Kate Anderson ’09

When Kate Anderson ’09 returns to Gettysburg College as the Class of 2026 Commencement speaker on May 16, it will mark a full-circle moment for a songwriter whose work now spans Broadway, London’s West End, and major film and television projects. She brings a global creative perspective shaped by years in the industry back to the place where her artistic journey took root.

A music major and creative writing minor, Anderson immersed herself in the arts during her time on campus, performing with the College Choir, singing with the Four Scores a cappella group, and appearing in numerous theater productions, while also participating in Greek life. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, she found both a creative home and a close-knit community that helped launch her career.

Today, Anderson is a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle–nominated songwriter and librettist whose credits include the Apple TV series “Central Park,” Disney Animation’s “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure,” and the off-Broadway musical “Between the Lines,” as well as “The Book Thief” and “Austenland.” Alongside her longtime collaborator Elyssa Samsel, she has also contributed music to Disney projects including “Zootopia+” and “Prep & Landing,” and recently wrote the opening number for Kristen Bell at the 2026 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Learn more about this year’s Commencement speaker.

Q: What brought you to Gettysburg College?

“I really didn’t know much about Gettysburg at first. My dad—John Anderson ’67, P’09—is an alum, so it was the first stop on a college tour he planned. But when we got to campus, I was like, ‘Oh, wait, this is really beautiful.’ I could immediately picture myself here.

“The more I explored—student groups, the arts scene, talking to current students—the more I became obsessed with Gettysburg. I applied Early Decision, and when I got in, I was all in. It just felt right from the start.”

Q: How did Gettysburg’s arts programs shape your college experience?

“It was such an exciting time to be at Gettysburg. The Conservatory was taking shape, and the Majestic Theater had just reopened after going through renovations. I was part of the first performances there, and it felt like working in a real professional theater.

“That environment made me feel like I was part of a school that was really elevating the arts. There were more opportunities, more resources, and it absolutely contributed to me eventually declaring a music major.”

Q: Which campus activities had the biggest impact on you?

“College Choir was everything for me. It felt like being on a sports team—very rigorous, very committed, and incredibly rewarding. The music we sang is still part of me. Even now, if I listen to choral music, it transports me right back.

“I was also heavily involved in theater and a cappella, and those experiences really shaped who I am creatively. They gave me both the training and the confidence that I still draw on today.”

“That environment made me feel like I was part of a school that was really elevating the arts.”
– Kate Anderson ’09

Q: Who influenced your path at Gettysburg?

“Kristen Eyssell, my first-year psychology professor, had a huge impact on me. I took as many classes with her as I could. In the arts, Sunderman Conservatory of Music Profs. Rob Natter and Kathleen Sasnett, and Adams Professor in Theatre Arts Chris Kaufman ’92 were incredibly influential.

“They encouraged me to keep pursuing the arts and really believed in me. I’ve stayed in touch with many of them, and that kind of lasting connection says everything about the Gettysburg experience.”

Q: What were some of your favorite memories outside the classroom?

“I loved the everyday campus moments—spending time at the Bullet Hole, hanging out in the CUB, and just talking with people as they passed through. That sense of community was huge for me.

“I also did intramural basketball—badly—but it was so much fun. It was never about the sport for me; it was about the group experience and just being part of something with friends.”

Q: What were the key turning points in your career after Gettysburg?

“My first job was in development at The Public Theater, which was exciting, but I wasn’t on the creative side. The real turning point was getting into the BMI Lehrman Engel Musical Theater Writing Workshop—that changed everything.

“From there, my writing partner and I were hired to work on ‘Between the Lines,’ which launched our careers. That led to opportunities with Disney and beyond. A lot of it has been persistence and just going above and beyond every chance we got.”

“I loved the everyday campus moments—spending time at the Bullet Hole, hanging out in the CUB, and just talking with people as they passed through. That sense of community was huge for me.”
– Kate Anderson ’09

Q: Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on?

“They’ve all been meaningful in different ways, but ‘Olaf’s Frozen Adventure’ stands out. It was such a perfect combination of people and environment. Everyone was at the top of their game, and the process felt joyful and collaborative from start to finish.

“It was also one of the first times I felt truly valued for what I brought to the table. That experience gave me a lot of confidence moving forward.”

Q: What advice would you share with graduating seniors?

“I think following your passion and listening to that inner voice—what actually feeds your soul—is really important. When you do that, everything else becomes clearer, and you have more energy to give to the world.

“It’s easy to trade that in for something more practical, but I truly believe we’re all better off when we pursue what drives us. There’s a reason certain things light you up, and it’s important not to ignore that.”

Join us for the Class of 2026 Commencement Exercises on May 16!

By Corey Jewart
Photos provided by Kate Anderson ’09 and Doug Huber ’06 (main photo)
Posted: 04/30/26